Chapter 29

Author's Notes: To my readers, I apologize for any strife my last chapter may have caused.

JQJQJQJQJQJQJQ

Phil couldn't believe what he'd just witnessed. His mind strained to process the information, but as soon as he came upon Race he focused on the task at hand.

Dropping to his knees, he began to assess his friend. The white haired man was alive, but his breathing was low and his eyes were closed.

Dugger knelt down next to him, "MEDEVAC is already in the air, Sir." The Cajun reported.

Phil heard him, but didn't take his eyes from Race. "Velk was hit too."

"He's fine. Took the round in the plate." Dugger said and as if to confirm Velk was there a second later.

Phil pushed his hands under Race's body armor, searching for the wounds. He dished out orders to his men as he did, "Dugger, take charge. Find that vehicle. It can't have gone far. Have our satellites track it. I want to know where they are going. Don't let out of your sight. Not this time, damnit. Take Velk and the soldiers with you."

"Yes, Sir." Both agents replied as one. They were up and moving to fulfill their orders.

Phil was vaguely aware that Jessie and Jade were hovering over him.

Corbin looked up at Jade. She was shaking, "Jade, snap out of it. Signal the helicopter." He jerked his head towards the horizon where a faint black dot grew larger with each passing second.

"What?" She blinked.

"Get it on the ground," Phil pointed towards the open field across the road. He handed her a smoke grenade. "Over there. Pop this and toss it to signal the MEDEVAC."

Jade took the smoke grenade and did as Phil instructed. Daring to glance up again, he saw his agents and the soldiers moving away. He also watched Jade toss the grenade. Purple smoke began to fill the air.

"Help him!" Jessie cried in Phil's ear.

Phil tore Race's vest off then ripped his shirt open, exposing Race's wounds; his battered body having been both slashed and shot was a bloody mess. "Fuck." He grumbled then went to work as the helicopter approached; Race was bleeding from so many different spots, Phil wasn't sure where to begin.

Pushing down Race's torso, Phil worked to quell the bleeding where Jonny's bullet had opened up Race's stomach. Jade joined him a moment later. "It's landing."

Phil looked over and saw the UH-60 touch down, the side door sliding open as the crew chief jumped out and waved them over.

Groaning, Race's eyes fluttered open. "Wha..."

"Stay still, Bannon." Phil remarked. Standing, he handed his rifle off, then in one fluid motion, crouched and pulled Race up and over his shoulder into a fireman's carry. Phil could feel all two-hundred and twenty pounds of a barely conscious Race Bannon on his shoulders, his own muscles burning while he quickly moved towards their waiting transport.

Reaching the running helicopter, the crew chief leaned out and assisted Phil in setting Race down then pulled the wounded man inside. As Jade climbed in, Phil looked back and saw Jessie, who had followed him to the waiting Blackhawk, had turned and was moving back in the direction that Jonny had fled; she was carrying Phil's rifle.

"One minute." He yelled to the crew chief and waved back at Jessie.

"Hurry." The helmeted man yelled back.

Spinning, Phil sprinted after the enraged daughter of Race Bannon. As he reached her side, he clamped his hands down on the rifle and tore it from her grasp. "Leave it be, Jessie."

"Fuck that, Phil." Jessie spat. "I'm going after him."

"Your dad needs you more." Phil replied as he slung the weapon over his back and wrapped the protesting Jessie into his arms, lifting her off the ground.

"Let go of me, Corbin." Jessie shrieked, kicking her legs and pounding her fists into his arms and shoulders.

Phil ignored her protests and carried her back to the helicopter. "Let go of me." She yelled again as the crew chief reached out to snag the shoulder strap on Phil's vest, hauling them both aboard. The moment they were inside the crew chief closed the door and the aircraft lifted off the ground.

"No!" Jessie screamed as Phil let go. She pushed him in the chest, but her protests were futile, they were already airborne.

"Calm down." Phil barked. He stared into her eyes for the briefest of seconds. He couldn't imagine what she was going through. It was hard enough for him to process, so he knew Jessie was devastated. "Calm down." He said again.

The space was cramped and when he saw her exhale he turned his back to her.

Phil removed his gloves and the rifle from his back to work with the flight medic to save Race's life.

Ripping his helmet off, he tossed it aside, replacing it with an internal headset, and started communicating with the medic, telling the man about Race's injuries. Phil smacked a bandage on Race's neck, securing it with white tape. He felt Jessie inch closer behind him, forcing him to move to block her view.

As the medic worked on the gunshot in Race's shoulder, the bullet had gone straight through, Phil pulled his knife. Placing the blade under the cuff of Race's pant leg, he slid the blade up and through the fabric, exposing Race's leg. Finding the bleeding wound wasn't hard. Grabbing some bandages from the medic's work station, Phil wiped the blood away. The round had hit Race in the muscles of his upper quadriceps, away from his femoral artery. For that, Phil said a silent thank you. Wiping his hands on his own pants to remove the blood, Phil reached under Race's leg. He didn't feel any exit wound; the round was still inside. Shaking his head, he spoke to the medic, telling the man what he discovered then wrapped a bandage around Race's thick, muscled leg.

Even with the headset on, Phil could hear Jessie crying. He couldn't risk looking back at her. Not yet. He still had work to do.

He moved to the torso wound next and Phil watched Race's eyelids fluttered. "Come on, Bannon. Don't you fucking die on me!" He growled even though he knew his friend probably couldn't hear him.

His hands moving across Race's body, Phil found the exit wound in the upper back. Pressing on the entry wound, Phil motioned to the medic that they'd have to turn him. The man nodded. Together, Phil worked with the medic to roll Race to the side. Holding onto his friend, he let the medic clear and seal the wound on the big man's back. Setting him back down, Phil was about to start bandaging the entry wound when Race's chest started to heave. His back arched and his eyes shot open. He was struggling for air.

"His lung is collapsing." Phil yelled. He tore into the medical supplies.

"Dad! What's happening to him?" Jessie cried.

Phil felt her pressing against his back. "Jade, hold her back." He yelled over his shoulder. He couldn't have Jessie interfering.

Jade mumbled something and Phil felt Jessie scoot back.

The medic placed his hand on Race's shoulders, holding him down as Phil ripped open a package and withdrew a large needle. He was on the side of Race's injury and it would be easier for him to perform the procedure than the medic.

Even as his mind sped at a hundred miles an hour, Phil's hands were steady. This wasn't the first time he'd had to perform first aid in the field, but it was the first time he was doing it to his best friend with the man's daughter present.

Phil glided his fingers over Race's chest, counting ribs. Race was pretty much all muscle, so when Phil found the appropriate location over the lung, he had to jam the needle hard to pierce through Race's pec.

As the needle entered, Race bucked a little. Phil didn't pay it any mind. Pulling the needle free, but ensuring the cannula like device was firmly lodged in Race's chest, Phil concentrated on connecting the apparatus to create a valve to open up Race's lung. Once complete he watched Race's breathing return to normal. He disposed of the needle appropriately.

But Race was still bleeding and that was not good.

He went back to tending Race's gunshot wound while the medic prepared an IV. Race groaned when the medic inserted the needle into his arm. Phil sighed. They had to keep him alive long enough to get him to surgery. 'What the hell was taking so long?'

With the IV inserted and the blood bag hung from a hook on the ceiling, Phil tilted Race's head back. He smeared an NG tube with lubricant and ran it into Race's nose, just one more measure to help Race breathe.

Race began to shake. Phil felt Jessie and Jade panicking behind him. "What's going on?" Jessie screamed as she tried to edge next to Phil again.

Corbin raised an arm and pushed her back, not letting her get close to her father.

Grabbing the aircraft's portable defibrillator the medic placed leads on Race's chest then pressed the paddles to his skin, mindful of the breathing tube in his lung. Phil moved, ensuring he was clear, as the other man zapped Race's chest full of electricity.

Phil removed his headset, leaned down and started administering CPR, breathing into his friend's mouth. He watched as Race's vitals continued to drop. Raising his voice he shouted, "Come on, Race. Don't you fucking die on us! You're Race 'Mother Fucking' Bannon! You're not allowed to die!"

The sobs of his goddaughter filled his ears, even over the drone of the helicopter and the beeping of the medical equipment. Phil finally turned and wrapped his arms around the distraught young woman, his eyes momentarily meeting Jade's; she too was in tears.

Looking back at Race, Phil watched as the flight medic increased the voltage, waiting just long enough before zapping Race again. Phil let go of Jessie and went back to CPR. After what felt like an endless eternity of shocks and breaths, the monitor indicated Race's heart had started again. Setting the paddles aside, the men went back to work on assessing and caring for the wounded Bannon.

Phil wasn't sure how long they'd been in flight when he felt the wheels of the aircraft touch down. After a few moments, the door was thrown open and a handful of men and women wearing scrubs, a stretcher between them, reached in and pulled Race out, careful of his IV.

The medic went with them. Phil leaned out to yell in one of the Doctor's ears. "The medic knows everything."

The Doc nodded quickly, his stethoscope already in his ears and checking Race as the crew carried him towards the doors of the CIA's clandestine medical facility.

In a crouch, he watched them depart. Once they disappeared through the swinging doors, taking Race straight to surgery, Phil finally allowed himself a chance to exhale. He glanced down at his hands, they were caked in blood. Race's blood. His best friend's blood. His clothing was too, as well as his forearms. He fell backwards onto his rear.

He took a moment to compose himself before turning towards Race's daughter. Wrapping her up in his arms, he held the girl to his chest. As the aircraft started to power down, he spoke, "He'll be alright, Jessie. You'll see, your father will be alright."

Jessie held him tighter than she had when she'd revealed her secrets back at the farmhouse. She cried deeply. Her breaths uneven and heaving as she was overwhelmed with emotions.

"He'll be okay. I know he will." Phil said again. He stroked her hair in an attempt to calm her down. He had to be the strong one for all of them.

His eyes found Jade. The woman was also in tears, shaking just as uncontrollably as Jessie. Phil set his own feelings for the woman aside. Keeping one arm on Jessie, holding her against him, he reached out and took Jade's hand. He gave it a reassuring squeeze. Their eyes met. He watched Jade bite her bottom lip, trying to appear strong. Her hand tightened on his.

The three sat like that for some time. Eventually, Phil noticed that the helicopter had powered down completely; the crew chief and pilots respectfully maneuvering around the trio.

Phil spoke again, "Let's head inside and find out what's going on."

JQJQJQJQJQJQJQJQ

Once they were on the open road, Jonny climbed over the seat into the back of the moving vehicle, not caring that he accidently kicked Van Brandt's arm in the process.

With the rear seats flat, Jonny was able to move next to the body of his mentor. Temple was definitely dead. His eyes staring at the ceiling.

"Greg." Jonny mumbled, taking the man's hand in his own. He was still warm, but that wouldn't last. "We should have never split up. Damnit, I should have stopped you, you stubborn bastard."

Jonny placed a hand on Greg's forehead. He leaned forward and placed his head on the big man's still chest. The scent of the blood filled his nostrils, it didn't bother him. Slowly, he raised his head and looked into the man's lifeless face. Jonny found his hand sliding into his pocket, his fingers curling around the metal object he kept there. Pulling it out, Jonny flipped the coin around in his palm. It was the coin Greg had given him back at the training camp. 'How long ago was that now?' For the life of him, Jonny couldn't remember.

His eyes wandered around the interior of the vehicle. He saw an old wool blanket towards the back. Jonny had to yank it out from beneath Temple's legs, but he managed to secure it and place it over Greg's chest and neck, covering the ghastly wound Race had caused.

Jonny moved his fingers on Greg's eyelids to close them. It was harder to do than the movies made it look, but he managed. He then pulled the blanket up over the man's head.

Looking forward, he caught Van Brandt studying him from the rearview mirror.

"I'm sorry, Jonny. Greg was a good man." The Brit offered.

"He didn't deserve to die like that." Jonny agreed. With a huff, he stowed the coin back in his pocket, "Where are we headed?"

"It's safe to assume that I-1 is tracking this vehicle."

"We're not being followed." Jonny countered, his head turning back to stare out the rear window. They were alone on the dusty road.

"Satellites." Van Brandt stated.

Jonny scowled. He should have known the spy organization would have satellites watching them. It pissed him off.

Van Brandt continued. "We'll head north, but we'll have to switch vehicles. We'll find a vessel to carry us through the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean Sea then onward through the Straits of Gibraltar. If need be, The Consortium can pick us up, but we might be safer making the voyage completely by sea. If we cross into International Waters, it'll be more difficult for I-1 to board us."

"We take Temple with us the entire journey. No arguments, Van Brandt." Jonny demanded.

His tone must have made it clear because the Brit simply nodded. "I'll make arrangements at the port for him."

JQJQJQJQJQJQJQJQ

Jessie's entire body was numb. She barely remembered Phil leading her off the helicopter into the facility. She couldn't recall where she'd gotten the bottle of water that she cupped in her hands; she assumed Phil had given it to her. Maybe it had been Jade. Maybe one of the random CIA people that passed her in the hall. She didn't know.

She was aware that it had been over three hours since her father was taken into surgery. Her mind continued to flip flop on whether that was a good sign or a bad one.

Staring at the barren wall across from where she sat, Jessie barely registered what was happening all around her. She heard Phil's voice off to the side, speaking hurriedly into his phone. She assumed he was talking to the agents that went after Jonny in Mogadishu. Or maybe he was talking to his people in Germany; or in D.C. She couldn't tell. Glancing at him, Jessie saw he was still wearing his tactical vest and holding his rifle. She found that odd. An armed man pacing the halls of a hospital, even if it was a CIA hospital.

Jade was somewhere close. Jessie was grateful the woman was giving her some space. Jessie's feelings for Jade had never changed and even now, she couldn't find it in her heart to open up to the woman, even though she knew Jade cared about her father.

But he was her father. Hers.

And Jonny had shot him.

Jessie exhaled and downed the rest of her water. She crushed the bottle a little too forcefully, drawing Phil's attention. She groaned inwardly when he heard him tell the person on the other end of the line that he'd call back. She wasn't ready to talk, not even to Phil, but she knew he'd want her to.

Corbin was about to sit down on the bench next to her when the surgery doors at the far end of the hallway opened. Jessie was on her feet immediately. She felt Phil's hand on her shoulder at the exact same moment, holding her back.

The Doctor approached. His features were neutral which caused another wave of emotions in Jessie. She couldn't help but notice his scrubs were soaked in blood. Just like Phil's clothing.

"My dad?" Jessie pleaded when the Doctor stopped in front of them.

Jade was at her side too, but Jessie didn't care at the moment. All she wanted was an update.

The man looked down at her, probably wondering why a teenager was brought in on a MEDEVAC flight from a battle in the city. If he was concerned, however, he didn't say anything about it.

Instead he let out a heavy breath to report, "Your father made it out of surgery."

Jessie felt her legs wobble as relief washed over her. She leaned against Phil for support.

The Doctor continued, "That man is an amazing fighter. I've never seen anything like it. I'm not a spiritual man, but Mister Bannon refused to give in. The worst damage was the round that penetrated his torso and traveled up his body, nicking his lung."

Jessie saw him look towards Phil. "The flight medic said you opened his lung with some quick thinking and expert skill. It kept him alive long enough to get here. It saved his life."

Jessie heard Corbin mumble something, but couldn't make out the words, if he'd even spoken any words.

The Doctor kept talking. "He lost a lot of blood, but we were able to stabilize him and get his BP back to normal levels fairly quickly. We also removed the bullet from his leg."

"How long?" Corbin asked.

"Excuse me?" the Doctor blinked, not understanding the question.

"How long until he's back on his feet?"

With a frown, the Doctor replied, "I'm keeping him in our ICU overnight to ensure he's stable. At that time, based on his status, we'll move him to recovery. If he continues to remain stable, he can leave in a few days. I wouldn't recommend you putting him back in the field anytime soon, however I know men like Mister Bannon and yourself, Director Corbin, are not willing to sit around in hospital beds either."

Jessie spoke next, "Can we see him?"

"He's sedated. He's being moved at the moment, but once that's done I can let you go in and look at him for a few minutes. All I ask is that you stay quiet and not intrude into the other patients' spaces."

"Thank you." Jessie breathed softly, containing her tears, even though they were tears of joy.

The Doctor nodded. A nurse came over and stated that Race was settled. With a nod, the Doctor said, "Follow me. Director Corbin, there's a nurse's station just to the right of where I'm taking you. I ask that you leave your weapons there and not bring them into the ICU."

"Of course, Doctor." Phil replied.

Jessie followed the Doctor and waited as patiently as she could manage while Phil checked his weapons at the nurse's station. They were moving again a few moments later. The temperature of the small ICU was cold; Jessie wondered why hospitals were always cold. They made their way quietly to the end of the row. Jessie's eyes wandered, noting that some of the curtains were drawn. She found herself wondering about the conditions of the patients that lie beyond those partitions, wondering what had happened to them too.

They stopped when they reached the end. The Doctor turned back to the group and in a low voice said, "Remember he's sedated. He probably won't even know you're here. He looks ragged, but that's expected after an intense surgery like the one he went through. But now that he's alive and barring any complications, he'll recovery, probably rather quickly. Like I said, he's a fighter and not once did he give in. Not once."

Jessie gave the man a little smile. The Doctor smiled back at her and said, "I'll wait at the nurse's station and come get you in a few minutes." He departed, disappearing behind another curtain to check on one of his other patients.

Jessie brushed the curtain that masked her father aside. Stepping into the concealed area, she choked and fought back another wave of tears. She knew Corbin was right beside her, as was Jade. She heard faint whimpers from the other woman.

"Daddy." Jessie whispered.

Race was asleep in his bed. His eyelids were dark and an oxygen mask was covering his nose and mouth. A blanket was pulled half way up his torso. He was wearing a plain green hospital shirt and Jessie saw a number of wires sticking out of the neck; leads connected to the machines that monitored his vital signs. He had IVs in both arms and a device attached to his right index finger. His neck was bandaged and Jessie saw just the faintest bit of a blood stain there. She imagined his other wounds were stitched and bandaged too, but they were hidden beneath the blanket and his shirt.

Slowly, she stepped forward. Jessie slid her hand under her father's left hand then placed her other on top, sealing his hand between hers. He felt warm. That was a good sign.

"Daddy." She whispered again, watching his chest slowly rise and fall. Even with all the wires and bandages, Race looked peaceful while he slept. She wondered if he was dreaming and if he was, what he was dreaming about.

"I'm sorry, Daddy." She stated. "I'm sorry for all of this. This never would have happened if we hadn't gone on that stupid vacation last summer."

"Jess." Phil placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. He was telling her not to blame herself, but she couldn't help it. It was true.

Jessie ignored Corbin, keeping her eyes on her father. "This is all my fault, daddy. I'm so sorry. And I'll do anything to make it up to you. Anything. I'll never argue with you again. I'll never defy you ever again."

A sharp inhale stopped the words from continuing; she'd felt him squeeze her hand. It was barely more than a twitch, but it was there. Her eyes shot up to look at his and she saw his eyelids fluttering, but they did not open. With a sigh, Jessie stop speaking and just let the tears flow.

She cried until the Doctor returned. She heard him tell Phil they had to step out for a while, let Race recover. Phil's hand was still on her shoulder and he placed his other hand on her other shoulder. With one final squeeze of her father's hand, Jessie set it gently back onto the blanket then stepped back. She allowed Corbin to guide her out, but she stole one more look back at her father before they stepped out of the enclosure.

Jessie followed her godfather and Jade back to the nurse's station. Phil was in the process of retrieving his weapons when a man approached. He was younger than Phil, but around the same height and build. He wore his hair in a short military cut, but had a five o'clock shadow on his face. He was dressed in a dark polo shirt, tan cargo pants and combat boots. Jessie also saw the man wearing a holster and handgun on his belt and had a metal breakaway chain around his neck. She figured it was one of those chains that held ID tags or a badge of some kind like police officers wore.

She saw that Phil recognized him. The two shook hands. Phil spoke, "Mike, sorry to have to meet again like this."

"Likewise, Phil. But I hear Bannon's going to be okay."

Phil nodded and looked at Jessie. "This is his daughter Jessie."

The man turned to her. He offered his hand, "Mike Williams. Sorry about your father."

"Thanks, but like you said, he'll be okay. It still hurts though."

The man nodded. "I've made arrangements for you while you stay here. I imagine you want to get cleaned up."

Jessie nodded, as did Phil and Jade. Mike led them out of the ICU and eventually out of the medical facility. Outside, Jessie was immediately hot again as the late day sun started to set. They traversed a basketball court and passed a few parked military vehicles and bulked up civilian SUVs. They entered another building, a makeshift barracks facility.

"This building is fairly empty and I've got you all rooms at the far end on the first floor." The CIA agent was explaining as he walked. "They're not much, but they each have their own latrines with showers, beds and linen, a small desk, and wi-fi. Our quartermaster had some extra clothing and uniforms so I've laid out some for each of you in your rooms. If they don't fit, let me know and I'll get you something else."

"Thanks, Mike. I appreciate this. We all do." Phil said. "I've already updated my team in Landstuhl and in D.C. and I still have people in the field here."

"I know. My ops officer is already in contact with your men on the ground."

They arrived at the rooms. "I'll come back in an hour or so with some food."

"Alright." Phil replied.

Mike nodded then left. The trio watched them go. Finally, Jessie asked, "Who is he?"

"A former Special Forces man turned CIA agent. We worked together in the Balkans a long time ago." Phil answered. "Let's get cleaned up and we can work on the next move. Jonny's still out there."

Jessie realized that she hadn't even thought about Jonny since she'd boarded the helicopter and the mention of his name flooded her with even more emotions.

JQJQJQJQJQJQ

Jonny must have fallen asleep after Van Brandt had stopped to switch vehicles.

When he felt the vehicle slowing, he rubbed his eyes. "Where are we?"

"Berberan." Van Brandt answered immediately.

That didn't really tell Jonny anything. Glancing out the window, he saw they were making their way through some hellish traffic; traffic that consisted of cars, cargo vans, animal drawn carts, and throngs of people. He could smell the pollution through the vents. It made him gag.

"What is this place?" He asked.

"A port city in northern Somalia. We'll see if we can obtain passage on a vessel here to take us back to The Consortium."

Jonny didn't reply. His stomach growled. Van Brandt chuckled.

"We'll get something to eat too."

Jonny nodded. "Thanks."

A vehicle stopped in front of them, causing Van Brandt to brake quickly and press hard against the horn. Jonny smirked.

"Can I ask you something, Jonny?" Van Brandt inquired once they were moving again.

Jonny shrugged.

"Why did you shoot Bannon?"

"He killed Temple." Jonny replied coldly. "He deserved it."

"Is that the only reason?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Jonny sneered.

"Bannon was your bodyguard for a very long time, Jonny. I'm just wondering how you gunned him down so easily. There had to be more to it than just witnessing him kill Greg."

Jonny huffed. In a low voice he said, "He killed my mother too."

"Really?" Van Brandt mused.

Something in the Brit's voice made Jonny look towards him, but the other man kept his eyes on the road.

"Yeah, really." Jonny remarked coldly.

Van Brandt nodded once. He didn't say anymore.

Jonny turned back to look out the window, attempting to recall an image of his mother to his mind. He struggled to do so.

JQJQJQJQJQJQ

Eyes downcast, Jade slowly made her way towards the door of Phil's room. Never in all her life did she think that the choices she made would come to this, but now, after all she'd seen she knew she had to come clean. Her actions, even indirectly, had hurt not only innocent people, but those that she loved and trusted. Race Bannon came close to dying because of her and the thought of losing him was more than she could tolerate; she had to make amends.

She knocked lightly on the partially open door. No response, but she knew Corbin was in the room. Williams hadn't yet come for them and no sounds of running water, indicating Phil might still be in the shower, could be heard. She pushed the door open and stepped across the threshold.

Inside, she found Phil was alone. Jade figured Jessie was still in her own room and she was thankful the volatile redhead was not around; she needed to speak to Phil privately.

Corbin had showered and changed into the clothes Williams had left, just as Jade had. Jade frowned, Phil looked defeated. Due to the heat, he was dressed lightly in a dark green tank top, camouflage fatigues and belt, and black combat boots, his sidearm affixed to his leg; his rifle propped against the bed frame, barrel against the floor.

He was stretched out on the bed, head propped up against the headboard and pillow. One hand tucked behind his head, the other was holding a photograph. From her angle, Jade could see that it was a picture of the Phil's family; the sight pulled at her heartstrings.

"Phil," She said as she entered. "I need to talk to you."

"Not now, Jade." He grumbled without looking at her.

"No. It has to be now."

She heard him let out an annoyed grunt, making her dread the conversation even more; he was not going to be happy with her.

"I'm really not in the mood to talk right now." He stated dryly.

"I need to tell you something."

The timidness in her voice must have alerted him that something was amiss. He sat up, swinging his legs over the side of the bed while putting the picture in his pocket.

Phil stared at her. "What?"

Sighing, Jade started. "Remember the mission in Prague where Vostok tried to unleash that weapon?"

"How can I forget it?" Phil sneered.

"Do you remember that Race claimed I took something from Doctor Arman's safe and you sent him after me?"

Phil's eyes narrowed, "Get to the point, Jade." The intensity of his stare caused Jade to take a step back.

"By the time Race found me in Bangkok I had already met with my employer." Inhaling, Jade attempted to keep her composure, "You see, I did take something from Arman...and I sold it. It was a formula."

Phil narrowed his eyes, but said nothing, so she continued.

"I had no idea, Phil, honestly. No one had even heard of The Consortium back then."

Phil stood and stared her down; his rising anger making his muscles taught. "You bitch." He growled.

"Phil, I had no idea!"

"You sold the formula...for money?! You knew what it was capable of and you fucking sold it?" He balled his hands into fists as he glared at her.

"I didn't know." Her voice cracked.

"All these years, we trusted you, Race trusted you!" His voice deep; accusatory. "It wasn't enough for you to just screw him in the bedroom, no, you had to go and screw him in real life too! What the fuck, Jade? You sold him out!"

"I didn't sell him out." She countered.

"Tell that to his daughter!" Phil yelled. "Tell that to him! Oh but you can't because he's currently doped up in a hospital bed in this fucking shithole because of what The Consortium did to him."

"It was Jonny."

Phil shook his head, "Don't you dare put this on that kid! He's been brainwashed and manipulated by The Consortium and Temple. But you, Jade, you knew all along who these people were and you did business with them. Why?"

Jade covered her face and cried.

"Is money that goddamn important to you? Jade, I was always cautious around you, but deep down I trusted that you were on our side."

"I am, Phil."

"Bullshit! Open your eyes, Jade. You saw what happened out there. They used Arman's formula to murder innocent people. The Consortium is starting a fucking war and you supplied it with the weapon to do it!"

Jade continued to cry as Phil growled, pacing the room. Jade watched him through her watery eyes. He eventually pulled out the desk chair so she could sit. She did. Tears still flowing, Phil stopped and shot her a look of pure contempt. "I should arrest you right now."

"It's what I deserve."

"Who's behind The Consortium?" Phil asked.

"I don't know."

"Bullshit! I don't believe you. Who is it?" Phil grilled.

"I don't know, I swear! It's not just one person."

"You caused this?" The question came from Jessie. She was standing in the doorway, her face a mixture of disbelief and fury.

Both Phil and Jade turned to look at the wronged redhead as she stepped into the room. "Jessie..." Phil started.

"Answer his question." Jessie spoke, her voice devoid of emotion.

"Jessie, I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I love Race,"

"Stop." Jessie set her mouth in a thin line. Shaking her head, she held up a hand. "Don't you dare say his name. I heard everything you just confessed. You don't have the right say my father's name anymore."

"Who is The Consortium, Jade?" Phil pressed as he loomed over her. "Is it Zin?"

Jade's headed bobbed, "Yes and no. Like I said, it's not just one person."

"Zin." Jessie growled. "I thought he was dead."

"Zin's resourceful. We also thought Kreed, Rage, and Temple were dead. At this point I'm not making any more assumptions." Phil answered, then turned back to Jade. "Who else? Vostok?"

"I don't think Vostok is involved. Zin and his daughters for sure, but the rest, I don't know. I knew about Kreed and Temple and a man named Grimm as well."

"Grimm is Ezekiel Rage. We already know about him. Anyone else?" Phil shot back.

"That woman from Surd's gang." Jade answered, no longer holding anything back.

"Julia?" The name rolled off Jessie's tongue in a way that showed Jade the redhead had just as much hate and contempt for Julia as she did for her. The realization truly bothered Jade.

"Yes."

"Where are they?" Phil sneered.

"I don't know." Jade hiccupped.

Phil began to shake his head, his lips curling into a snarl.

"I don't, Phil, I swear." Jade pleaded. "If I knew I'd tell you. I'm not part of The Consortium and like I said before, I didn't know they were the ones I sold the formula to all those years ago."

Phil didn't respond. Jade watched him reached for his rifle, but she placed her hands on his forearm. Standing, she looked at him with pleading eyes, "Phil, I'm so sorry, for everything. I've given you so much grief over the years and now this. Let me redeem myself."

Pulling away from her, Phil picked up his rifle, holding it by the hand guards, keeping the barrel pointed downward. He looked at Jessie then back at Jade. "Race is my friend, he's like a brother to me. I trust him with my life. Unconditionally. Like I said, I should arrest you right now, but your involvement from here on out is not for me to decide." He turned and looked at Jessie.

Sneering at the dark haired woman, Jessie's eyes were dead set and cold. "You want to redeem yourself, Jade? Fine. But I swear, if you make one false move or I even think you're turning against us, I'll put a bullet in your head so fast you won't even have time to blink. You get me?"

Jade nodded; she knew that Jessie Bannon was speaking the God's honest truth.

JQJQJQJQJQJQ

Not wanting to leave Temple's body unguarded, Jonny stood at the back of the SUV as he watched Van Brandt negotiate with the harbor master. The conversation appeared heated, but when the Brit withdrew a wad of cash, the other man's tone appeared to change rather quickly. A few more words were exchanged, along with some addition bills, before the men finally agreed. Jonny observed the supervisor shove the money into his pocket then wave to some of his workers.

Van Brandt made his way back to where Jonny stood.

"Success?"

The Brit nodded. "Yes. Bastard wanted more money, but we came to an agreement. We've got passage for ourselves. The vessel sets sail tomorrow evening. They're also going to take care of Temple. There's a refrigeration container here and I paid him enough cash to ensure only Temple's body will be inside it. What do you plan to do with him once we get back?"

"I don't know," Jonny answered honestly. "But it didn't feel right leaving him behind. Maybe Anaya wants to bury him. Or cremate him."

"You know about those two?" Van Brandt raised an eyebrow in Jonny's direction.

"I do." Jonny laughed a little. "I actually walked in on them one night while they were…well…in the middle of something."

"And Temple let you live?" Van Brandt laughed. "Ballsy, kid. Bloody ballsy."

"And I know that Anaya is pregnant." Jonny confessed. "Greg didn't tell me, but I overheard when he told you."

"When we get back to the castle, Anaya will be heartbroken." Van Brandt's brow furrowed as he spoke. "If we can get her safely away from her father, I can arrange for her to go somewhere safe and comfortable. It's the least I can do for Temple."

"So how did you and Temple meet?" Jonny asked.

He watched the Brit as the man's eyes wander to the blanket covered body of his friend through the rear window. Jonny knew there was something more between the two men, that they had been friends more so than acquaintances. He didn't know how he could tell, he just could.

"Greg helped me flee Great Britain a number of years ago. The authorities were after me, claiming that some of my experiments were illegal and violated a number of human rights laws and regulations. I'd have ended up in The Hague or worse. I'd first met Temple when I was still with the SAS and he was with I-1. We crossed paths in Syria and ended up becoming friends. Combat will do that to men. So when I was in a pinch years later, I reached out to him for help. He came to my rescue, no questions asked."

"Really?"

"He saved me and brought me into The Consortium. Just like he did for you, Jonny. He saved you from a life of servitude, rape and misery. Temple protected you and I could tell that he looked at you as the son he never had."

"So when we get back? What's the plan?" Jonny changed the subject. Van Brandt's revelations making him uncomfortable.

"We tell Zin what happened. I'm sure that diabolical lunatic won't give a damn about Greg and will want to move forward with the plans. But, at this point, I don't know, kid. I want to get Anaya to safety first and foremost. If Zin causes problems, well, I'll just have to act for Greg on his behalf."

"You'll kill Zin and the rest of the board?"

Van Brandt nodded. Jonny saw a coldness in the man's eyes. "If that is what has to be done. Yes."

"And what about me?"

"At that point, Jonny, you're on your own. You're safe with me. Another thing I owe Greg. But I can't guarantee the rest of the board will have the same feelings as I do."

"Especially Julia." Jonny groaned.

"That bitch will be the first to die." Van Brandt declared.

"Agreed."

The dock workers arrived just then with a cart.

"Come on, Jonny. Let's get Temple taken care of. I have a contact meeting us later here at the port with some fresh clothing, weapons, and food. We'll stay on the ship until it departs tomorrow evening."

"Sounds good to me." Jonny stated.

Helping to gently unload Temple's body, taking care not to expose the wound that killed him, Jonny found himself warming up to Van Brandt. His first impression of the arrogant Brit seemed to have been misplaced; the man was displaying nothing but concern and remorse for his deceased friend. And he wanted to help Anaya and that was something Jonny could get on board with too. Add to that Van Brandt's determination to go up against Zin and the other board members and Jonny found himself willing to stand at Van Brandt's side and see things through to the end.

JQJQJQJQJQJQ

The CIA's Operation Center was nowhere near as sophisticated as the GOC back at I-1 Headquarters, however Jessie knew this was an austere setting and the agents that occupied the space were working under harsh conditions.

What she didn't know was what exactly these men and women were working on. She had a feeling she didn't want to know.

Jessie stood along the wall, next to the rifle rack where Phil had just set his M4.

Jessie could feel the heat bleeding off of him as he came over to stand next to her and she knew that it wasn't just caused by the physical discomforts of the stuffy room, made even hotter by the multi-tiered setting and workstation arrangements of the operations center.

The CIA agent, Mike Williams, had asked his team to give them some privacy and only two agents remained to monitor phones and a live feed update of the Horn of Africa. The rest of the workstations were turned off or covered. Jessie assumed that it was only because of Corbin that she and Jade were allowed to set foot inside the top secret operations center to begin with. In Jessie's mind Jade shouldn't have been there at all. Part of her preferred the woman be locked up and Jessie knew that all she had to do was say as much to Phil and he'd make it happen. But Jade appeared truly anguished by what she had done, and her desire to make amends had felt genuine. So, for now at least, Jessie was fine with the woman still being involved.

When everything was ready, Phil used one of the CIA's secure laptops to remotely connect to the I-1 database. Williams set up the conference calls. Within minutes, Jessie saw the faces of Agent Blake and Agent Milner back in D.C. and the team in Landstuhl, minus Estella, Alena, and Hadji. She noted that Doctor Quest was visibly distraught, obviously torn at the news of Jonny's actions. She could also see that Agent Roberts was better and only had one bandage encircling his forehead now. Agent Dugger connected telephonically and he reported that Velk was with him.

"Okay," Phil started when everyone was ready, "we all know what happened in Mogadishu. The good news, of course, is that Race is going to be okay. Also, Temple is dead. However, Jonny is still out there with the ex-SAS operative David Van Brandt. Blake, you start."

The woman nodded, "Our satellites are tracking the movements of Van Brandt and Jonny. They switched vehicles half way through their trip before arriving in the port city of Berberan."

"Dugger, can you confirm eyes on?" Phil asked next.

Jessie was still amazed at the professionalism of the assembled team and especially Phil's calm demeanor. He was still dressed like a soldier and exuded authority with every word.

"Roger, Sir." Dugger's voice answered through the speakers. "We met up with the CIA team here in Berberan. Currently we have the port under twenty four hour surveillance. Last report shows Van Brandt speaking with the harbor master and paying the man off. They took Temple's body onboard the Norwegian flagged vessel, Stovarsk Caledonia."

"Damnit." Corbin grumbled, scratching the side of his face.

"What's the problem?" Jessie asked, ensuring she spoke loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Some of Norway's civilian vessels refuse to recognize some maritime laws and especially in regards to boarding procedures by American naval forces." Phil explained. "Norway may be our ally, however they can be uncooperative at times."

"So how do you plan to rescue Jonny?" Benton asked. Jessie noted the dryness of his voice and the tired look in his eyes. Her heart ached for him.

Phil drummed his fingers on the wood corner of the first level of the operation center's tiered set-up. Jessie could tell he was running scenarios over his mind. Finally, he looked back at the screen, "If they board the vessel, we need to continue to tail them. I don't want to extract Jonny just yet."

"Why?" Benton asked, not hiding the flare up of shock in his voice. Jessie wanted to know the same thing.

"For multiple reasons, Doctor." Phil explained, his voice remaining neutral. "First, Van Brandt is the biggest unknown factor right now. We have no idea how he sees Jonny. If Van Brandt feels cornered he could very well…kill…Jonny in order to escape. Also, I'm guessing they are heading back to the safety of The Consortium. We know that in addition to Kreed, Temple, and Rage, that Zin and his daughters are part of the organization too. So is Surd's lackey Julia."

"How do we know this?" Benton questioned.

Jessie saw Phil's gaze turn towards Jade. The woman was standing off screen, remaining quiet, per Corbin's strict instructions. Williams was next to her, standing guard without making it look like he was standing guard.

He shifted his eyes back to the screen. "Latest intel." Jessie knew it was all he was willing to reveal at the moment.

"So you want to use my son as a pawn to lead you to The Consortium?" Benton accused.

"Doctor, that's not it. From what we've learned, the attack in Mogadishu was just the first of many. They mutated Doctor Arman's formula and created a new biological weapon."

Even though Jessie didn't know who this Doctor Arman was, she could tell by Doctor Quest's reaction that he did. His tone changed, "And you think Jonny had a part to play in that attack?"

"I do," Phil said, but added with a bit more gentleness, "However, I don't think he was a willing participant. We know about the drugs The Consortium is using and from what we saw on the ground, Jonny is under the influence of those drugs. I do not hold him responsible for these atrocities, Doctor. He's a victim here."

Jessie saw Benton's eyes soften at Phil's words. The bearded scientist nodded appreciatively.

Phil continued, "I do, however, hold The Consortium responsible. And we have to stop the next attack. The best way to find their base of operations is to let Van Brandt and Jonny lead us straight to it."

"That makes sense." Benton remarked.

Jessie heard Phil's sigh of relief. "Here's how we are going to proceed. "Agent Dugger?"

"Yes, Sir?" The Cajun responded immediately.

"You two continue your visual surveillance. Neither Van Brandt nor Jonny knows either of you, but still do your best to remain out of sight. You're covert operators. Act like it. If they board that vessel, you do as well. Pay your way on board if you have to and I'll transfer funds back to the CIA. If you can't pay for passage, then find a way on board. No matter what, you two are to get on that ship with those two. Understood?"

"Yes, Sir." Dugger replied.

"Maintain observation. Only intervene if you feel Jonny's life is in imminent danger. You have my authority to make that on the spot call if you have to, Dug."

Again the Cajun simply responded, "Yes, Sir."

Nothing in the man's voice indicated that he had any doubts about his or Velk's ability to get onto that ship or to rescue Jonny if they had to.

"Blake, keep the satellites over Berberan and that ship. If it sails, I want to know exactly where it's headed at all times. I resent authorization codes for de-conflicting flight paths with the CIA and NSA just before we started."

"Yes, Sir." Blake nodded. "We received and authenticated your codes."

"Germany, you guys sit tight. Terry and Karla, start digging up everything we have on David Van Brandt. It would be secondary, however, if he does manage to shake Dugger and Velk then I want to know if we can trace him through other means. Find every single one of his bank accounts, flag and monitor them. Get the NSA to ping every damn cell phone on that ship, minus Dugger's and Velk's, then sort through those numbers and find Van Brandt's. If he makes a call back to The Consortium I want to be able to backwards track it and pinpoint the location of the distant end."

"You can do that?" Jessie asked.

For the first time since they entered the cramped and hot room, Phil smirked. "Of course we can."

"Got it, Sir." Roberts nodded.

"Doctor Quest," Phil's voice softened again. "I just ask that you remain patient with us. We promised you that we'd bring your son home and that's exactly what we are going to do."

"I know, Phil." Benton managed to smile a little as he spoke, "and I know you will. All of you."

"When Race is able to be transported, we will make our way back to Landstuhl. It'll probably be another few days. I suspect that Van Brandt and Jonny, if they board that ship, will be underway for some time. That gives Race time to recover while we gather our information and prepare to strike."

"As for myself," Phil added after a pause. "I'll work with the CIA and DoD to coordinate for an infiltration and strike against The Consortium's hideout once its location is confirmed. You all should have received contact information for this location. Coordinate any contact through those means or through our secure phones. Are there any questions?"

When no one spoke, Jessie listened to Phil wrap up the meeting. "Alright, let's get to work."

Jessie wiped beats of sweat from her brow as the calls all dropped off the screen.

Phil didn't bother with any other words. He grabbed his rifle, nodded to Williams who nodded back, then looked at Jessie. She knew he'd once again taken on the role of her protector, but he wasn't happy about having to babysit Jade.

"Let's go check on your dad, Jess." Phil suggested.

JQJQJQJQJQJQ

Dugger hung up the phone. He jerked his head at Velk, indicating for the younger agent to take a seat.

They'd followed the satellite real time tracking of Van Brandt's vehicle all the way to the port of Berberan. Another depressingly poor city, but with port that provided some economic stability, it was the perfect location for The Consortium members to hole up in order to try and slip away.

Having met up with CIA agents, the two I-1 men had been taken to a safe house so they could clean up, change clothes, switch out weapons, and eat. Currently, Dugger sat on the couch; Velk in an armchair off to the Cajun's left. The CIA agents had taken up observation duties so the two men could relax and check in; it seemed that word about Race had traveled fast and Dugger and Velk quickly learned that Race Bannon and Phil Corbin had friends in the strangest of places.

"What did the boss say?" Velk asked. Dugger hadn't put the call on speaker for safety reasons. They might be in a safe house, but the Cajun still wanted to remain cautious. "How's Race?"

"He's alive." Dugger exhaled, his relief at his old friend's condition evident. "Phil says the Doctor reported that Race was lucky. Except for some small damage to a lung, none of his vital organs were hit. He should be good to go in a week. And if I know, Bannon, that really means he'll be busting out of that hospital bed in three days tops."

Velk nodded. "What about us?"

"We keep tailing them. No contact."

"Why don't we just grab the Quest boy and hightail it back to Germany?" Velk suggested.

"Too risky. He's with Van Brandt now. And that British fuck may not be as slick as Temple, but he's just as sadistic. Jonny's also not endeared to the man and Phil's concerned that if Van Brandt feels cornered, he could kill Jonny in order to escape."

"So we keep tailing them, but for how long?" Velk asked, rubbing his chin.

"Until told otherwise. That's the other thing. Corbin thinks Van Brandt could be taking Jonny back to The Consortium's lair. He can lead us straight to the rest, which according to the boss, are some of the worst criminals we've gone up against." Looking at the younger agent, Dugger grinned ear to ear. "It's gonna be a hell of a fight and I'm not missin' it."

"Me neither!" Velk nodded in support.

"Let me get my hands on that traitor Argus Grimm. Us Cajuns are like elephants, we don't forget. Throw what he did to Terry on top of everything else and that son of a bitch is going to regret double crossing I-1."

Dugger knew that Velk was too young to know what he was talking about, but he figured maybe he'd share the tale with the young man over a beer once they got back to D.C. Velk had definitely earned it.

Until then, the least Dugger could do for his subordinate was let him rest first. "Why don't you go get your shower and change? But don't shave. Grab a few Zs. I'll take the first few hours of watch."

"What about the CIA?"

Dugger waved to his phone. "If any shit goes down or it looks like Van Brandt and Jonny are departing the city, they'll contact us right away. But I don't see that happening. Those two are as flustered and exhausted as we are. Van Brandt will take this opportunity to get some rest and devise his strategy."

Standing, Velk stretched his arms over his head. He yawned. Pete assumed his partner had been stifling that yawn ever since they'd arrived at the apartment. "Alright, Dug. Just wake me up in a few hours so we can switch."

Dugger nodded. He watched Velk disappear into the bedroom, heading to the bathroom. Hearing the water running, Pete got to work. Pulling a large green container out from beneath the coffee table, he popped the tabs and flipped the lid back.

With a smirk, he examined the contents. "This is what I'm talking about." He mused while at the same time picking up one of the plethora of handguns from inside the box. Next he grabbed some magazines, boxes of ammunition and got to work loading the mags.

JQJQJQJQJQJQ

JQJQJQJQJQJQ

Race's condition hadn't changed. The Doctor ensured Jessie that it was a good sign, that he was regaining his strength while he slept, but Jessie was still worried. She couldn't not be.

They'd departed the ICU after only a few minutes. Jade had gone back to her room while Phil went to check in with Williams.

Jessie had made her way back to her room too. Alone once again, she was forced to wait. And waiting was the hardest part. It gave her time to think. She didn't want to think. She didn't want to remember watching Jonny gun down her father. Didn't want to remember the look on the love of her life's face when he stared her down then started shooting at her so he could escape.

Jessie willed herself not to cry. She didn't want to cry for Jonny. Not right now. Her tears were reserved only for her father.

After a few minutes, she heard footsteps in the hall. A moment later, the door across the hall opened and closed. She knew Phil was back.

Standing, she left her room and went to Phil's. Talking to him would be the only way she could get herself to stop thinking about that horrible event.

She knocked on the door. She heard him say something, so she took it as a sign to open the door and step inside.

Corbin was seated on his bed. Elbows propped on his knees, he held his head in his hands, staring at the floor. He didn't look up right away.

"You should get some rest, Jess." Phil spoke. "There's not much we can do right now."

She assumed he was able to differentiate between her footfalls and Jade's, hence how he knew it was her without looking up. Jessie stepped all the way inside and shut the door. She took a seat in the desk chair.

"I can't sleep right now." Jessie answered honestly. "My mind is still going a million miles an hour."

"Understandable." Phil sighed. He finally raised his head and stretched his arms over his head, arching his back. Jessie heard his shoulders pop, his face twisting a little from the pain.

"I know you probably want to rest too, but I wanted to speak to you in private for a moment. Before we go any further." Jessie rolled the chair closer to him so she could lower her voice.

He waited.

Jessie pushed a puff of air through her lips and spoke. "You saw what I saw, Phil. We all saw it."

"Jessie, you need to focus on the fact that your father is alive. He's going to recover."

"I know that and that's thanks to you, Phil." Jessie remarked. Her statement caused him to fluster; Jessie knew the man didn't like compliments, even if he deserved them. "But I'm talking about Jonny."

"I know you are." Phil replied even and low.

"This entire time we've been searching for him to bring him home and we were so close. But then…what he did. Phil, that's not the Jonny I know. That's not the Jonny I fell in love with."

"He's still there, Jessie."

"You don't know that. You can't know that." She shot back harshly.

"Jessie,"

"I want to believe what you're saying, Phil," Jessie cut in before the man could speak. "I really do, but after what he did. He tried to kill my father in cold blood. You saw it. You saw it!"

"Don't do this to yourself, Jessie. Don't go down this road." Phil told her.

"What?"

"I know where you're going with this. Do not give up hope, Jessie. Your father wouldn't want you to. If not for your sake, then for Jonny's. Believe that the man you love is still in there somewhere. Believe that you can bring that man back."

"I want to." Jessie lowered her eyes.

"Then do so." He suggested kindly.

Jessie pressed her eyes shut, fighting the mixed emotions that battled inside her. Finally, she set her jaw and looked up into her godfather's eyes. He flinched.

"Jonny Quest tried to kill my father." Jessie stated. She stood. "Jonny cared more for that bastard Temple than he did for my dad."

"Temple brainwashed him. Jonny doesn't know what he's doing." Phil offered. Jessie could tell it was hard for Phil to believe his own words.

"When we find him, I'll look into his eyes. That will tell me."

"Tell you what?" Phil asked, but his tone told Jessie that he already knew what she would say.

"It'll tell me if he can be saved. And if he can't, then he'll pay for what he did to my dad. I'll kill Jonny Quest myself."

JQJQJQJQJQJQJQJQ

To Be Continued…